BIG Storage Cheshire Jets take a break from their play-off challenge this weekend and turn their attention to making progress in the BBL Trophy.
With one win from their three group games so far, Jets know they have only an outside chance of finishing top and booking their place in the semi-finals.
Victories away to Leicester Riders tomorrow (7.30pm) and at home to Plymouth Raiders on Sunday (5.30pm) could be enough to push Jets closer to their target – providing results elsewhere go their way over the weekend.
Cheshire player/head coach TJ Walker said: “We need a little help from other teams, and I haven’t yet sat down and worked out what’s got to happen, but the main thing is to win in Leicester on Saturday. We’ve played them a few times and they are a tough team who are well coached. Martin Ford has them playing hard and they can beat anyone on any given night.”
Jets recorded a 95-79 BBL Championship victory at Sheffield Sharks on Friday, and Walker was delighted with his side’s performance,
He said: “We played some really good basketball. We’ve been playing some excellent defence since James Hamilton came back and that’s been our key. We’re scoring more and a lot of our points have come off good defence.”
Walker expects holders Plymouth to test his team to the limit at the Northgate on Sunday.
The Californian said: “It’s a difficult one for us. Gary Stronach is doing a great job with them. They always play hard, they are great defensively and we’ll have to be ready to play.
“Drew Lasker has been the key for them since he got there. He’s one of those guys who can score big numbers on any night.”
If Jets still have a chance of reaching the semi-finals by the time Plymouth come to town on Sunday, Walker could be tempted to make a surprise return from a knee injury.
He spent the festive period back in America, where he underwent surgery.
Walker said: “I’m doing well and I’m running ok on it. If we’re in with a chance on Sunday, I’ll consider it, but it’s more likely that I’ll be back on February 3 when we play Scottish Rocks.”
